Everton expected to announce another signing despite window closing

Everton are expected to finalise and confirm the loan signing of defender Kurt Zouma from Chelsea today – one day after the Premier League transfer window closed.

The Toffees left it late to make an approach to loan the France international but as both sides submitted their paperwork before the 5pm deadline, the deal was allowed to proceed.

Under Premier League regulations, Chelsea and Everton were given an extra two hours to finalise negotiations.

However, as there was no official confirmation last night from either party, that led to suggestions that the deal had fallen through.

Quoting tweets by Liam Twomey, a journalist close to Chelsea, The Daily Express claims that there has simply been a delay in processing the paperwork and the transfer will still happen.

Adding Zouma to their squad would complete a very successful transfer window for new Everton boss Marco Silva.

His arrival at the club has been followed by several high-calibre players including Bernard, Lucas Digne, Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina and Richarlison.

It also means that Silva has almost completely overhauled his defence after allowing Luke Garbett, Ramiro Funes Mori and Ashley Williams to depart.

Zouma, 23, spent last season on loan with Stoke City, making 34 Premier League appearances to confirm his fitness after a knee injury limited his opportunities at Chelsea.

Another loan move gives the centre-back another chance to show the Blues that he deserves to be in contention for a first-team place at Stamford Bridge.

Having recently signed a six-year contract, his long-term future may lie in London, but there is every possibility Everton have negotiated an option where they can turn the loan deal into a permanent one.

For that to happen, however, Zouma must make himself part of Silva’s new-look defence and then help the Toffees become a formidable defensive unit.

John Pennington is a freelance writer and self-published author. An experienced online and print journalist and editor, John has written on football, cricket, hockey and rugby as well as politics. Born in Yeovil, he lives in West Sussex, England.

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